socialmedian: Mandelson unveils 'more inclusive' universities overhaul

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Mandelson unveils 'more inclusive' universities overhaul

Source: The Guardian

Nov 03, 2009

Summary

• Degrees aimed more at mature and part-time students rather than 18-year olds
• Employers to be more involved in course design and funding

Students who miss the top grades should not be automatically excluded from prestigious universities, under plans set out by Lord Mandelson for a major modernisation of England's degree system.

All universities should consider accepting lower grades from students who show potential despite a poor home life or unambitious schooling, the business secretary, who is also responsible for universities, said.

"What we are saying is that nobody should be disadvantaged or penalised on the basis of the families they come from, of school they attended and the way in which simple assessment based on A-level results might exclude them." he said.

The government cannot order universities to change their admissions procedures but today's plan will put new pressure on them to do so. The move is part of a major overhaul of the university system that will see a fundamental shift in degree teaching away from 18-year olds doing three year full-time

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